The JPO/IPR Operational Patent Examination Training Program (OPET) (IPPT)

The JPO/IPR Operational Patent Examination Training Program (OPET) (IPPT), organized by JPO, JIPII, and AOTS, took place at APIC, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan, from December 9 to December 18, 2024. Two examiners of Patents and Designs from O/o CGPDTM participated in the program.

The program aimed to enhance understanding of AI-related patent applications, equip examiners with tools for prior art searches and inventive step evaluations, and promote international collaboration by sharing patent practices.

• The inaugural session covered JPO’s framework, Japan’s global IP strategies, patent examination’s role in innovation, and included a visit to the JPO Examination Office.
• The session on simulation of patent examination featured a simulated examination of a “grip press button switch” invention, where participants analyzed claims against prior art (D1-D4), evaluated the inventive step, and engaged in technical discussions.
• The session on Corporate IP insights and AI applications by Fujitsu Limited explored AI's role in IP, covering trends in AI inventions, classification systems (CPC, IPC), AI as an inventor (DABUS case), and its impact on IP professionals.
• In the Prior Art Search exercises session, participants conducted searches for an AI patent (“Prompt Generator”), evaluated novelty and inventive steps, and compared JPO's search strategies with international practices.
• The session on Drafting Reports and ISR Guidance focused on drafting ISR, writing Written Opinions of the ISA and preparing IPER.
• The field visit to Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) focused on advancements toward a green and digital society, including collaborative AI projects addressing societal challenges.
• Participants presented re-examination reports on AI-related patents, with feedback sessions highlighting critical thinking and adherence to international standards in patent assessments.
• The program concluded with a deep dive into integrating AI into patent examination, highlighting techniques for evaluating AI-core and AI-applied inventions. Participants enhanced their ability to assess inventive steps, identify novel elements, and compare patent claims with prior art, with a focus on global examination practices.

Way Forward:

The officials observed that the training program effectively enhanced participants' understanding of AI-related patent examination and suggested increasing group discussions for collaborative learning, incorporating hands-on industrial training, providing regular updates on emerging technologies, developing international collaboration, and establishing modular, continuous learning tracks.